UVA vs UVB: Types of Sun Rays and Their Effects

by
Jennifer McGarrity

As scientists have continued to discover more about how sun exposure affects the skin, it has become painfully clear that UV rays have nasty repercussions that last much longer than the mere discomfort and embarrassment of a sunburn. The links to skin cancer, advanced aging, and skin deterioration are undeniable, and consequently, more and more people are realizing the importance of protecting themselves from both UVA and UVB sunrays. The question is, what are the differences between UVA and UVB rays?

Effects of UVB rays

The UVB ray, often referred to as the “tanning ray,” is long-known for its role in causing both sunburns and skin cancer. It gets its nickname because of its ability to cause production of the brown pigment, melanin, by stimulating the melanocyte cell. This is done as a means of protecting against UV radiation, but the undesirable side-effects of UVB exposure remain. These rays are partially responsible for causing all three of the main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Although they are dangerous, UVB rays are only capable of penetrating the silk scarf thick outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis, that contains little besides skin cells.

Effects of UVA rays

Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are longer, more powerful and are capable of penetrating through the epidermis all the way to the dermis. The dermis contains all the “good stuff” including the collagen, elastin, and blood vessels that are responsible for showing, or hiding, your age. By ruining your dermis (cracking and shrinking your collagen and elastin and damaging blood vessels), UVA rays age your skin. Instead of having youthful skin, those who have had extended, unprotected exposure to UVA rays often have many wrinkles, age spots, and a more leathery skin texture. Some of this can be corrected after the fact with procedures including Laser Skin Rejuvenation and IPL Photofacials that effectively restore collagen growth. It is advised that preventative measures are taken, though, because UVA rays also have non-aesthetic side-effects; studies have shown links to between exposure and skin cancer.

Avoiding the Negative Effects of UV rays

There are several small things you can do to avoid the negative effects of UV rays. Firstly, remember to wear sunscreen on a daily basis, and choose a sunscreen that is appropriate for your activity. Realize that harmful UV rays can affect you regardless of how cloudy it is outside and that UVA rays are even capable of penetrating most clothes, windows, and windshields, so it is important to protect yourself from them by wearing broad spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing everyday, not just when spending a day in the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises that you seek the shade (particularly during the sun’s peak hours: 10 am to 4 pm), don’t let yourself burn, and avoid UV tanning booths (which provide direct exposure to the especially damaging UVA rays). Most importantly, use your digression about how much sun exposure is okay; be reasonable with yourself while still keeping in mind the extreme effects that UV rays can have.